‘Evil: The Complete Series’ DVD (review)

Evil masterfully weaves together supernatural dread, psychological tension, and deeply personal stakes, creating a narrative that explores the intersection of good and evil in the lives of its investigators and their loved ones.

At its heart are Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), a forensic psychologist; David Acosta (Mike Colter), a priest-in-training; and Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi), a technical expert.

The trio investigates cases involving possession, miracles, curses, and demonic activity, yet the show’s brilliance lies in its refusal to provide definitive answers.

Instead, it builds an intricate mythology where the supernatural and psychological collide, leaving characters and audiences alike questioning reality.

The investigators’ personal lives are deeply intertwined with the demonic forces they confront. Kristen Bouchard, played with raw intensity by Herbers, begins the series as a skeptic, but her encounters with increasingly inexplicable phenomena erode her confidence in reason.

Her family—husband Andy (Patrick Brammall), daughters Lynn, Lila, Lexis, and Laura (Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray , Maddy Crocco, and Dalya Knapp), and her mother Sheryl (Christine Lahti) —becomes deeply entangled in the larger battle against evil. Kristen’s struggles to protect her children and maintain her moral integrity are central to her arc, especially as Leland Townsend, portrayed chillingly by Michael Emerson, infiltrates her life at multiple levels.

Leland’s connection to Sheryl evolves into one of the show’s most disturbing dynamics. Initially a supportive grandmother, Sheryl becomes ensnared by Leland’s manipulations, drawn to his promises of power and rebellion against societal norms. As their relationship deepens, Sheryl transitions from an unwitting pawn to an active participant in Leland’s schemes, even engaging in occult rituals and aligning herself with demonic forces. Her transformation deeply impacts Kristen, who struggles with the realization that her mother’s actions may endanger her daughters. Leland, ever the puppeteer, exploits Sheryl’s desires for freedom and control, turning her into a crucial ally in his quest to destabilize the Bouchard family.

Kristen’s husband, Andy, a pragmatic and grounded presence, becomes another of Leland’s targets. Andy, often away on business, returns to find his family increasingly fractured under Leland’s influence. In episodes like “The Demon of Parenthood,” Leland sows discord between Andy and Kristen, preying on Andy’s fears of losing his family and subtly planting seeds of mistrust. Andy’s growing awareness of Leland’s malevolence leads to a direct confrontation, but Leland’s ability to manipulate events ensures that Andy’s efforts to protect his family often fall short, leaving Kristen isolated in her battle against encroaching darkness.

The Bouchard daughters—Lynn, Lila, Lexis, and Laura—become both pawns and battlegrounds in Leland’s war against Kristen. Leland’s unnerving interactions with the girls, particularly Lexis, highlight his insidious approach to corruption. In episodes like “Z Is for Zombies,” he positions himself as a friendly, almost avuncular figure, subtly introducing sinister ideas into their lives. His particular focus on Lexis, who is revealed to have ties to a demonic prophecy, underscores his role as a manipulator of innocence.

The show’s exploration of how demonic forces prey on the vulnerabilities of children adds an unsettling layer to its mythology, raising the stakes for Kristen and her fight to shield her family.

The investigators themselves are not immune to the personal cost of their work.

David Acosta’s faith is repeatedly tested, not only by the cases he investigates but also by the Church’s secrets and its complicity in larger conspiracies. His relationship with Kristen is marked by an unspoken tension, a blend of mutual respect, attraction, and shared trauma. David’s visions, often featuring demonic and angelic imagery, further complicate his role as both a man of faith and a seeker of truth. These visions connect him to the broader demonic narrative, suggesting he may be a pivotal figure in the unfolding cosmic battle.

Ben Shakir, the team’s skeptic, provides a scientific counterpoint to Kristen and David’s growing uncertainty.

However, his personal life is not untouched by the series’ darkness. Ben’s protective instincts toward his sister, who also encounters unexplained phenomena, reveal a softer, more vulnerable side to his character. His skepticism is challenged in episodes where logical explanations falter, forcing him to confront the possibility that evil may not always have a rational origin.

Leland’s role as a nexus of demonic activity extends beyond his manipulation of the Bouchard family.

His partnership with demons, such as the grotesque Edward (Tim Matheson), positions him as both a human collaborator and a willing servant of malevolent forces. Leland’s infiltration of the Church, his ties to ancient texts like the “Poveglia Codex,” and his use of modern tools—social media, technology, and psychological manipulation—reveal his multifaceted approach to spreading chaos. His obsession with Kristen, his machinations against Andy, and his disturbing focus on the Bouchard girls are all part of a grander plan to destabilize the forces of good.

Certain episodes illuminate Leland’s overarching strategy. In “Room 320,” Leland orchestrates a series of events in a hospital that terrify Kristen and test David’s faith, demonstrating his ability to manipulate both people and environments to his advantage. “Justice x 2” explores his use of legal and institutional systems to protect those who serve his agenda, blending the bureaucratic with the supernatural. The season finales consistently escalate his machinations, revealing deeper connections between his actions and the sigil map, a recurring motif that links demonic activity globally.

Ultimately, Evil thrives on its ability to blend personal drama with a richly constructed mythology. The demons are not merely external threats but forces that exploit internal vulnerabilities, making the characters’ struggles deeply resonant. The show’s exploration of family, faith, and the fragility of morality ensures its narrative remains both haunting and relatable.

Leland Townsend’s relentless pursuit of chaos, coupled with the investigators’ attempts to protect their loved ones, creates a gripping story that resonates long after the credits roll. The only true criticism of this release is the lack of a Blu-ray release.  Extras are deleted scenes from throughout the series’ run.

With its layered storytelling, unsettling themes, and deeply human characters, Evil stands as a darkly brilliant meditation on the nature of evil and its insidious reach into every facet of life.